Wishing a Healthy & Happy Half Term to all...

Ashtanga Yoga Morning Sunrise Feb 2022

It feels like ages since I last wrote and for me that’s the telling sign that Winter has felt long! It’s been so beautiful to notice the light last that little bit longer each day, and even though it’s been cold and windy, we’ve had some amazing sunrises and sunsets that can bring a great sense of warmth and life to the winter months.

It’s been wonderful to see so many faces, both new and our well-loved regulars, attend class this term. Classes have felt warm and bubbly, both face-to-face and online. We have a really great and growing sense of community going on. I have to say a huge thanks to those of you that attended your class online a few weeks ago, when I had to go back to teaching from my living room the week that my children had Covid! What a flexible troupe we’ve all become. 

Thank you to all of those that were able to attend our much awaited Well-Woman Event in January. It was such a beautiful afternoon, nourishing practices including movement, meditation, pranayama and a delicious newly written Yoga Nidra to round the session off.  Thank you for all of the wonderful feedback - please see the schedule for the next Well-Woman Event. 

Lots to look forward to in the coming weeks. Please read on for next term dates & bookings; New Venue for Ashtanga Yoga; Balance+ App; Pre Natal Yoga Event; Well-Woman Yoga Event; Mindfulness with Denise and some self care idea’s.

SCHEDULE: Monday 28th February ~ Saturday 9th April 2022

Monday’s (no classes on Monday 21st March)

Well-Woman Yoga 9.30-11am The Kenilworth Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS.

Face to Face & Online.

Well-Woman Yoga 12.15-1.30pm Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8EF.

Face to Face Only.

Tuesday’s

Mixed Ability Yoga 8-9.30pm The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ.

Face to Face & Online.

Wednesday’s

Mixed Ability Yoga 8-9.30pm The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ.

Face to Face & Online.

Friday’s (no class 17th March)

Mixed Ability Yoga 9.15-10.45am The Kenilworth Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS.

Face to Face & Online.

Well-Woman Yoga 11-12.30pm The Kenilworth Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS.

Face to Face & Online.

Saturday’s

Ashtanga Yoga 7.30-9am The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ. 

*New Venue

Face to Face & Online.

Pre Natal Yoga Event

2.30-4.30pm Saturday 12th March

The Basement Snug, Bank Gallery, 13 High Street, Kenilworth, CV8 1LY.

Well-Woman Yoga Event

2.30-5.30pm Saturday 21st May

Leek Wootton Village Hall, Warwick Road, CV35 7RB.

To book any of the above, head to ‘Book Classes’ on my website at www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Balance+ Launch! 

Many of you already know that I work alongside and support the work of Dr Louise Newson and her continual campaigns to create evidenced based information and support for peri-menopausal and menopausal women. She’s a very busy lady, continually inspiring new models to raise awareness, raise money and raise the hope for women that they can, and will, have the best support during the Menopause. The Balance App was initiated by Louise in order to reach out and support as many women as possible with evidence-based and medically approved information regarding the peri-menopause and menopause. In addition to this, I’m really excited to share that Balance+ is about to be launched! Dr Louise Newson and the Balance+ team (including me!) have been working to create a health and well-being companion, to better support women that are transitioning through the peri-menopause and menopause. The app includes information and support regarding mental health & well-being; nutrition & weight management; skin & hair; sexual health & pelvic floor; sleep & physical health, all tailored to the needs of peri-menopausal & menopausal women. You may even recognise some of your favourite Yoga moves and mediations on there ;)

Do spread the word and share the app news with all of those women that you know and love. The Balance app is free to download and Balance+ has a monthly or annual subscription. Head to www.balance-menopause.com for more information. 

Yoga Therapy Case Study Call-Out

I’m now half way through my Yoga Therapy Training Course and throughout the duration of this course, I have been working with Case Study clients with various needs and conditions, from issues of bones & joints, to long covid & asthma, from menopause to matters of the heart, taking into consideration every level of being. In the coming months, I’ll be seeking a new Case Study Client and thought to put out a request here. If you have any health conditions that you’re suffering with and feel a sense of curiosity about whether Yoga Therapy can offer further support to you, then do drop me an email. Yoga Therapy is a holistic option that is designed to bring you into a more balanced way of being on every level of yourself; physically, energetically, emotionally, mentally, psychologically and spiritually. It can support you independently as a stand alone method of healing, or alongside medication and any other therapeutic care that you’re receiving. If you’d like more information on how I can support you with Yoga Therapy, do email: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Pre Natal Yoga 

I’m really excited to announce that the next Pre Natal Yoga extended Session on Saturday 12th March will be at The Basement Snug in Kenilworth. It’s a beautiful new intimate space that provides all the props you could dream of and in such a beautiful environment. The groups sessions are smaller here, so there are limited spaces for this next event. Sessions include postural practices for the ever-changing body; breath work to support emotional health and labour preparation; meditation; Yoga Nidra and discussion.

Do book online or email me for further enquiries.

The Basement Snug

Well-Woman Yoga Event

Since the last Well-Woman Event was so beautiful and had such wonderful feedback, I have the next one booked in the diary already! 

The next Well-Woman Yoga Event is on Saturday 21st May 2.30-5.30pm. for those that are new to this event, you’ll receive an afternoon of nourishing movement, breath work, meditation and relaxation practices, designed to bring you into a place of balance, calm and contentment. I’m hoping that it’ll be a warm day so that we can take our tea break outside - fingers crossed.

To book for this event, head to my website or email me for further enquiries.

Well-Woman Yoga Event, 2.30-5.30pm, Saturday 21st may 2022

A little advertisement for Mindfulness With Denise

Hi, some of you may know me from Lucy’s Friday morning mixed ability class (which is wonderful btw). Whether you are looking to deepen your mindfulness practice or a complete beginner, from Wednesday 9th March I will be offering a 60 minutes mindfulness practice session, every Wednesday morning from 9.30 - 10.30am at Kenilworth Tennis Squash and Croquet Club, on Crackley Lane, Kenilworth.  Not only can mindfulness be a lovely way to relax, it can improve both our mental and physical well-being. It can reduce physical pain in cases of chronic illness like fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and back pain. It can also decrease stress, reduce anxiety, help with depression, improve our memory and generally makes us feel happier. Numbers are limited, so if you or anyone you know is interested, please contact me to reserve your place. Your first session is absolutely FREE 😊. Thereafter, you can book in advance per term (£5 per session) or drop-in for £6 per session. For more information about mindfulness check out my website at www.dcolehypnotherapy.co.uk.

Denise Cole, Mindfulness Teacher and Hypnotherapist. Tel: 07970012549 or email dcolehypnotherapy@hotmail.com. 

Gift Vouchers

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought to put out a little reminder that you can now purchase (or ask to be gifted!) a Living Your Yoga Gift Voucher which can used for classes, events or 1:1’s! Do contact me to directly and I can post your gift voucher out to you or send via email.

*Yoga Nidra’s and short practices are also available to purchase and download via my website - another beautiful gift idea for Mother’s Day.

Self-Care Idea’s for Health & Happiness

I thought I’d throw in a handful of self-care idea’s that I’ve learnt through my Yoga practice over the years. I’m always making small changes to my daily/weekly habits to seek where I can be a bit healthier, feel a bit better and create space in my mind throughout my busy day. In my Yoga Therapy training, we’re often having to seek out what makes our clients happy, what lights them up or simply makes them feel a bit better in their day to day life. I hope there’s something here that you may find useful to try…

1. Tongue Scraping. Yes! A weird one to start with, but something strangely satisfying! First thing in the morning, recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners, is to scrape the coating off your tongue upon getting up. It encourages the removal of toxins (and makes your tongue feel pretty fresh!)

2. Warm Lemon Water. Every morning, drink warm water with freshly squeezed lemon. It’s hydrating, provides vitamin C and it may help get your digestive system moving.

3. Hugs. Cuddle everyone, well almost …anyone you love ;)

4. 10 Minute Meditation. I know we’ve heard this a hundred times, but it really does do wonders if practiced daily. It can help settle those busy thoughts, bring you into the present moment and help your perspective shift. Simply bringing your attention to the breath, then watch the thoughts as they make their way in, notice what they are, notice if they really need your attention, and return back to observing the breath. I’ve found sitting on the floor practising this daily has given me a far better sense of awareness of my spine and mental habits.

5. Abhyanga/Self Massage. Another Ayuvedic practice that is wonderful in bringing a sense of really nourishing the whole self, on many levels. After showering/bathing, massage the whole body from head to toe with body oil. It doesn’t have to be an expensive oil, or scented. Almond oil is a handy (and cheap) one to have and you can always add your favourite essential oils to it.

6. Laugh. A lot. With family, friends, loved ones, comedies. When times are grey, there’s nothing like a good belly giggle to uplift and reconnect to yourself and those that you love.

7. Rest. Sleep when you can! It’s often difficult to switch off when there’s so much going on in the world, but we feel far happier when we’ve had a good rest! Yoga Nidra’s are really helpful in encouraging deep rest, especially if sleeping is something that you struggle with. A Yoga Nidra is also the perfect tonic for a quick siesta if you’ve got a busy day.

8. Move. Walk, swim, practice Yoga! We always feel better when we’ve moved in a way that we know makes us feel good. Do it every day.

9. Face Masks…yep! I love putting on a face pack and using that 10 minutes to lie down and be still or meditate. I love doing them with my mum too and having a giggle.

10. Gratefulness. Run a few things through your mind that you’re grateful for. We all have something, no matter how small.

11. Hug, kiss, hold and love all those that you love and let them know. It makes us all feel good.

Nothing beats kisses and cuddles with my kids!

I hope some of these idea’s inspire you and make you smile.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy half term break.

Looking forward to seeing you back on the mat soon.

Much Love,

Lucy 

my mission

is to heal

my mind

with wisdom

and to infuse

my body

with love yung pueblo (inward)

Rest. Play. Celebrate. Love. Laugh. Dream.

Goodbye 2021 and Thank you…

What a year! A year with so many highs, opportunities, achievements and magical moments, alongside some of the most darkest of times and great loss; I speak for myself and for so many of those that I know and love. Thanks to family, friendships and a supportive community, we’ve got through it all… and another unpredictable year.

Despite the difficulties, I’m grateful for 2021, the good and the bad, the highs and the lows. Sometimes these really hard, painful times wake and shake me up. They make me want to dive into life a little deeper, open myself to more opportunities, meet and rise to challenges that I fear. Then the really uplifting and positive times just make me feel so alive, full, tingly and expansive. I do my best to embrace all of it (though sometimes that feels hard!) My Yoga practice helps me with this: it helps me accept where I am, what I’m doing and to listen to my intuition, to navigate how to respond to life’s ups and downs. It’s all a practice. I hope that you find that your yoga helps you off the mat too in navigating your life journey.

So, I guess I ‘m grateful. Although I’m ready for a rest after this year, I still plan to celebrate the end of the year with love, a lot of laughter, thankfulness and a great big farewell hug! I hope all of you will too!

Looking ahead to 2022…

An Updated Schedule, Well-Woman Event, Pre Natal Event, Gift Vouchers and a Case Study call-out…

Please see below for the latest schedule! There is a slight price increase which I hope is agreeable to you. For termly bookings, classes now work out at £10 per 90 minute class. Drop-ins will now be £12. Should you be experiencing financial difficulties, please contact me directly.

To book your class, head to ‘Book Classes’ on my website.

January/February 2022 Schedule

Mondays:

9.30-11am Well-Woman Yoga The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth

12.15-1.30pm Well-Woman Yoga Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Tuesdays:

8-9.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth

Wednesdays

7-8.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth

Fridays

9.15-10.45am Mixed Ability Yoga The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth

11-12.30pm Well-Woman Yoga The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth

Saturday

7.30-9am Ashtanga Yoga The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth

Pre Natal Yoga Event

Saturday 15th January 2.30-4.30pm

An extended monthly Yoga Session incorporating practices to help support the transformative pre natal body and mind. New mothers and babies are also invited to the session to help support the early months of motherhood.

Practices include both static and flowing postures (Asana) to release discomfort, support posture and enhance mobility with ease; Pelvic Floor Practices to support growth of baby and preparation for labour; breath work (Pranayama) to help soothe and relieve emotional fluctuations, anxiety and create calm; Meditation & Visualisation to help ease the mind & deepen insight; Yoga Nidra to experience deep relaxation and connection to the self and baby.

For more information please contact info@livingyouryoga.co.uk or to book, please head to ‘Book Classes’ on my website.

Well-Woman Yoga Event

Saturday 29th January 2.30-5.30pm

A return of the much loved Well-Woman Yoga Event. An afternoon including practices to help soothe, release, relax and restore: Asana: still & flowing movement including balance; Pawanmuktasana: Joint release practices to help with aches and pains; Pelvic Floor Practices (get to know your pelvic floor!); Pranayama: breathing practices to help settle emotional fluctuations caused by peri-menopause/menopause/post-menopause symptoms, to help release tension, and explore finding balance and calm through simple breathing practises; Meditation to support change & transition; Yoga Nidra to encourage deep rest and insight. The afternoon also includes a tea break to chat/share with other women.

Case Study Call Out

As many of you know, I’m currently training to be a Yoga Therapist which is really deepening my Yoga practice and my teaching - I hope that you’re enjoying the benefits! I’m currently working towards my second Case Study and I’m looking for a volunteer. If you’re interested in being one of my case studies in the future, which includes five 1:1 Private Yoga Therapy Consultations, all at a reduced price, then please drop me a line. My current line of study is Cardiovascular & Respiratory conditions. If you or anyone you know would like to explore Yoga Therapy as a means to support your condition, then please email me at your earliest convenience. The consultations can be face to face and/or via zoom. Contact me for further details: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Gift Vouchers

Gift Vouchers will be available before Christmas - they are currently being designed and printed! Do drop me a line if you’d like to purchase a voucher. I’ll pop a further advertisement on social media when they’ve arrived. These can be used for 1:1’s, events, or a term of classes!

1:1 Yoga Sessions

1:1 Yoga sessions are available with me in both Kenilworth & Stratford-Upon-Avon. Whether you’d like regular sessions, a one-off session to check in and receive further support with your current practice, or if you’re new to the practice and would like some extra support as you embark on your journey, a 1:1 is tailored to suit your personal needs. For more information or to book a 1:1 with me, contact info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Finally a huge thank you to all of you that support my little Yoga Business! It’s an honour to get to know so many of you both in class and online, and be able to support you on your Yoga journey.

I wish you all a really beautiful Christmas break - may it be filled with lots of love, laughter, silliness and celebration. Let’s all dream for a magical 2022 :)

Much Love,

Lucy xx

“You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one”

~ John Lennon

Half Term Already: Where has the time gone…?

It’s been a while since my last mail out - so there’s a lot to catch up on. For those that just want to check out the updated schedule to book a class, I’ll pop that at the top ;)

For those that would like a little more Yoga news, including events, articles, launches, practices and therapy, read on a little further…I hope you enjoy the read…

Photograph by Ana Frantz Photography. Kenilworth Arts Festival 2021

Winter Schedule: Monday Nov 1st - Sat 18th December

Monday’s

9.30-11am Well-Woman Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth. (Face to Face & Online)

6 Sessions @ £57 (no class Monday 15th November)

12.15-1.30pm Well-Woman Yoga at Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon. (Face to Face Only)

6 Sessions @£57 (no class Monday 15th November)

Tuesday’s

8-9.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga at The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth. (Face to Face Only)

7 Sessions @£66

Wednesday’s

7-8.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga at The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth. (Face to Face & Online)

7 Sessions @£66

Friday’s

9.15-10.45am Mixed Ability Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth. (Face to Face & Online)

6 Sessions @57 (no class Friday 12th November) *NEW TIME!*

11-12.30 Well-Woman Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth. (Face to Face & Online)

6 Sessions @£57 (no class Friday 12th November) SOLD OUT

Saturday’s

7.30-9am Ashtanga Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth. (Face to Face & Online)

6 Sessions @£60 (no class Saturday 13th November)

WELL-WOMAN YOGA EVENT

The much sought after Well-Woman Yoga afternoon session is back!

On Saturday 29th January 2022 2.30-5.30pm

An afternoon of nourishing movement practices (asana), exploration of breathing practices (pranayama), Yoga Nidra (deep guided meditation/yogic sleep) and a tea break with healthy snacks.

Bring your mats, blankets and eye bags and gift yourself with an afternoon to completely nurture yourself 

£35 for the session. Taking bookings online or contact me with enquiries: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

**For those of you that had paid for the Well-Woman Event that was cancelled due to Covid, please contact me to confirm whether you’re able to attend or if you’d like a refund. 

1:1 SESSIONS

 1:1 sessions are available with me either in your home or at locations in both Kenilworth & Stratford-Upon-Avon. The sessions are tailored for you whether you’re seeking a therapeutic personal practice; pre natal/post natal support; a practice for menopausal health; deepening your regular practice; or a beginner’s practice. A 1:1 session is completely unique and is all about you.

 Please email me with enquiries & bookings: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

PRE & POST NATAL YOGA MONTHLY SESSIONS

Please contact me (with your email address) if you’d like to be added to our little community of Pre & Post Natal Monthly Yoga sessions. These classes are 2 - 2 1/2 hours and take place on Saturday or Sunday afternoons at Leek Wootton Village Hall. These sessions are designed to create a space for you to learn techniques to help manage the changing pre & post natal body; fluctuations of emotions, connection to yourself and baby, and creating supportive relationships with other mums-to-be and new mums in the community. Practices always include Postures (asana), Breath Work (pranayama), Pelvic Floor practices, Visualisation & Mediation, Yoga Nidra and a tea break. New mums are welcome to attend these sessions with baby and explore how yoga can be integrated into daily life with baby.

Next Pre Natal Session: TBC

REFLECTIONS: LIVING YOUR YOGA IS 3 YEARS OLD!

My little Yoga classes have been serving the community for over 3 years now! I’ve been reflecting a little, as when I created LYY I had no idea what would happen when I started teaching classes, or if anyone would show up! It’s been a really wonderful journey so far, meeting so many people that have inspired me to keep studying and learning about all aspects of yoga and how it can heal and help in so many ways. Since starting this journey, the classes expanded from Kenilworth to Stratford-Upon-Avon where I began working with Dr Louise Newson at Newson Health Menopause Clinic. Here I began to explore and deepen my learning in menopause care: supporting women that are learning to cope with moving through the peri/menopausal transition using yoga practices as another tool to support themselves. I have spoken on podcasts, recorded a class for World Menopause Day, filmed a talk about Yoga (see Newson Health website) and appeared in the Sunday Times magazine. I have met and been inspired by so many amazing women since being connected to Newson Health: all of the staff, numerous patients that I have met and and an abundance of other wonderful holistic practitioners with whom I’ve made lifelong friendships.

Along with all of this, Living Your Yoga had a write up in Om Magazine and it was such an honour to contribute again recently. Pre natal classes have meant that I’ve been hugely grateful to be a part of the journey’s with so many women in supporting their pregnancy, and I’ve even had many a text message during their labours! I’ve been fortunate to have met these babies either in our post natal yoga classes or home visits (and enjoyed many a cuddle!)

Winning the Muddy Stiletto’s Award this year felt like a huge achievement and I felt overwhelmed at the support from our yoga community. Other events have included teaching for charity’s, businesses and Kenilworth Arts Festival. 

Moving online during Covid took Living Your Yoga on another journey! One that was quite challenging for someone as non-tech as me! It was brilliant to reach out to so many of you in your homes. I’ll always be grateful that so many of you stayed with the classes despite having to practice in your bedroom, living room or hall way. And I’ll always remember the bedtime yoga Nidra’s and switching off my zoom after everyone fell asleep :)

I’m currently at the end of my Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Course and mid way through my study to qualify as a Yoga therapist. There will always be more to learn and more to share, I look forward to sharing new-found yogic-knowledge with you all. 

I guess what I’m trying to say amidst all of these reflections, is THANK YOU! Thank you for showing up in class and sharing your yoga journey with me. It’s always appreciated and you all inspire me to keep it all going and to keep learning.

I wonder what’s around the corner for this little business now? ;)

OM MAGAZINE ARTICLE

My brilliant Yogi friend Claudia Brown, yoga teacher and contributor to Om Magazine, asked me to contribute to a Menopause article she was writing. Since having trained in Well-Woman Yoga Therapy, and working with so many women from the cycles of pre natal to post menopause, the workings of the pelvic floor are often one of the most common area’s where women end up having problems and seeking support. Many of the practices I teach involve supporting and learning about one’s own pelvic floor through subtle practices with breath and awareness. Claudia asked me to write about the pelvic floor to contribute it to her article. It’s in this months OM Magazine! I hope you enjoy it.

BALANCE WEBSITE LAUNCH

On the theme of Menopause health, my wonderful friend Dr Louise Newson launched the Balance Website on International Menopause Day which was on October 18th. It’s a brilliant resource for everyone that knows a woman!! Over half the population will go through the menopause, so it’s worth knowing about. There’s stacks of information on here - it’s worth a look!

If you haven’t already, I recommend downloading the Balance App to anyone that’s peri-menopausal/menopausal/post menopausal for recording symptoms, seeking knowledge and connecting with a community of like-minded women. The app is free and worldwide. For more information, check out the new website:

https://www.balance-menopause.com/

---

ONE SIMPLE PRACTICE

Sitting upright in a comfortable position. Take a moment to observe your natural breath, feeling the sensation through the nostrils.

Count how many natural breaths you take per minute.

Now, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth softly through a straw. Do this a few times to get used to it.

Time how many breaths you take a minute using a straw.

Then breathe naturally without the straw, time how many breaths per minute now.

Notice how you feel.

Taking longer exhalations will help you feel calmer, more grounded and will help your nervous system feel happy :)

NB. In some cases, this practices can increase anxiety. If uncertain, avoid the practice, or practice with a qualified teacher.

YOGA THERAPY

A lot of people ask me “What is Yoga Therapy?”

Yoga Therapy is an exploration of yogic practices that can be specifically designed to suit an individual in supporting their current health and lifestyle situation. 

Yoga Therapy isn't to replace medication or other forms of therapy, it’s complementary and may create an opportunity for an individual to get to know themselves a little better, become empowered by gaining a deeper insight into themselves and their needs, and can support them through small steps in creating a better, happier life. 

Yoga Therapy is something that an individual can use to really explore, learn, grow self-awareness and help heal themselves; restore, prevent or identify imbalance.  We carry this body and breathe this breath for every moment that we live inside of it. When we better understand ourselves, we're of better service to others. I believe yoga as a therapy can help this and probably so much more.

Something that I love about my training as a Yoga Therapist  is that we don’t want to keep the clients coming back to us for 1:1 sessions - we want to help empower them so that they have greater clarity in order for them to know what they need and to help heal themselves.

---

Well, that’s all for now. I’ll leave you with a favourite poem of mine.

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween and look forward to seeing you next term.

Much Love, Lucy x

---

Wild Geese - Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

---

Autumn is near and there’s plenty to celebrate…!

Hooray! Living Your Yoga is now 3 years old! What started with a small group of women practising Yoga with me, in my friend Jane’s kitchen, has now expanded to 7 regular yoga classes a week, monthly Pre & Post Natal Events along with regular Well-Woman Events in both Kenilworth & Stratford-Upon-Avon. Practices taught include Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Well-Woman Yoga Therapy, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Yoga. Along with these classes, Living Your Yoga provides 1:1’s in both Kenilworth, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Online; weekly Zoom classes for the brilliant staff at Newson Health Clinic; and regular events and corporate classes in and around the community. LYY has also collaborated with other fantastic teachers to raise money for The Menopause Charity.

Another branch to Living Your Yoga is slowly growing as I continue my development and training as a Yoga Therapist. I look forward to sharing more information about this branch of my work in the coming months.

As you read this, I’d love to know in 3 words what 3 things you love about your yoga practice. Do share on my latest Living Your Yoga post on either Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to know what helps you maintain your practice, what keeps you going back to class for more?!

Autumn Term Schedule

Monday 9.30-11am Well-Woman Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth. (ONLINE & FACE TO FACE)

Monday 12.15-1.30pm Well-Woman Yoga at Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8EF (FACE TO FACE)

Tuesday 8-9.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga at the Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth

(ONLINE & FACE TO FACE)

Wednesday 7-8.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga at the Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth

(ONLINE & FACE TO FACE)

Friday 11-12.30 Well-Woman Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth.

(ONLINE & FACE TO FACE)

Friday 1-2.30pm Mixed Ability Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth.

(ONLINE & FACE TO FACE)

Saturday 7.30-9am Ashtanga Yoga at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth.

(ONLINE & FACE TO FACE)

Saturday 24th October 2-4.30pm Pre & Post Natal Monthly Session at Leek Wootton Village Hall, Warwick Road, CV35 7RB.

(FACE TO FACE)

Book online or contact me directly info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Muddy Stiletto’s Award Winner!

Another huge thank you to all of you in voting for Living Your Yoga as the best Yoga & Pilates Studio in Warwickshire! This week I went along to the Muddy Stilettos’s awards ceremony at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Leamington, where I was awarded with my certificate, and also fortunate to meet the organisers and some of the other winners too. This was a great occasion and really uplifting after what has been a tough 18 months or so for so many of us. Receiving this helped me further realise that my little Yoga business is having a positive effect on the community - which is the whole purpose of it’s service. I’ll keep doing my best.

Thank you again! 

Kenilworth Arts Festival

This weekend, from Friday 17th - Sunday 19th sees the return of Kenilworth Arts Festival.

The weekend includes, Music, Dance, Literature, with a focus on Storytelling, Sustainability and Wellness. 

Living Your Yoga has been asked to run a class at this wonderful event. Come along and join me in an outdoor Yoga session this Sunday 3.30-4.30pm (there will be a covered area should it rain) Head to the link for further details and to book your space. Places are limited. Hope to see you there!

https://www.kenilworthartsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Kenilworth-Arts-Festival-Programme-2021.pdf

Congratulations!!

During August, three amazing women who attended pre natal yoga classes with me, both online and face to face, gave birth to 3 beautiful baby girls! I’m over the moon to be able to share such wonderful news and gorgeous photo’s! Sending you all so much love from Living Your Yoga x x x

Welcome to the world Dolly, born 8/8/21! Congratulations to parents Emma and Dan, and big brothers Freddie and Ronnie Upton.

Welcome to the world Lilian Ruby, born 11/8/21! Congratulations Mummy Nicola and big sister Arianna De Maine.

Welcome to the world Asees, born 17/8/21! Congratulation to parents Kirpa Kaur Gill & Ash Singh Gill.

New Book by Dr Louise Newson: Preparing for the Peri-Menopause and Menopause 

The fabulous Dr Louise Newson has written another brilliant book which has gone straight to Number 1 in the Sunday Times non-fiction best seller list! Half of the population will at some point experience the menopause…everybody will know someone that is either peri-menopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal. There are so many symptoms that are experienced during this transformative stage in a woman’s life - it’s worth everyone knowing about it in order to best support the women you love in your life! This book is a penguin paperback and such an easy, informative and brilliant read. I recommend it on the bookshelf in every family home.

Louise is dedicated yoga practitioner and promotes the practice of yoga in the book…she also gives a little mention of Living Your Yoga alongside some other brilliant health and well-being resources :) Thanks Louise!

You can buy her book in all good bookshops and online.

I hope that you’re all gently finding your rhythm as we move into a new term and transition into a new season. Autumn always feels like a time of great change, for some it’s new schools, universities, jobs and relationships…all of these things happen when we let go of something, maybe a situation or a part of ourselves, to make space for something new. Just like in nature as the trees let go of the leaves…I hope whatever changes are occurring, whatever you’re having to let go of to make space for the new, may you let go with softness and ease, and embrace change with joy and an open-heart.

Take lots of care and I hope to see you soon.

Much Love,

Lucy xx

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go” Rumi.

Award Winning Yoga...and taking some time to rest.

A huge thank you for all of your support and votes in this years Muddy Stiletto’s Awards.

Thanks to you, Living Your Yoga has been voted Best Yoga/Pilates Studio in Warwickshire!

Thank you so much for your continual support in my little yoga business - I’m really grateful and have been very excited in receiving this award (not to mention very surprised) !

I love sharing Yoga with anyone that’s interested in the practice. All of your support and commitment to our classes encourages me to research and study further to bring more informed practices into your lives. I believe that there’s a practice out there for everyone to enjoy, to help bring balance, strength and stability for healthier and happier lives.

Thank you again!

Summer…

There will not be any classes for the next two weeks as I’m going to take some time off to gallivant with my family, spend some time with friends and take some time for myself in order to be ready to bounce back for the Summer classes and Autumn Term. I won’t be on social media either, so if you have any class enquiries, please email: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Summer Classes are still available to book, the limited schedule is:

Mixed Ability Classes 7-8.30pm at The Kenilworth Centre:

Wednesday’s: 18th August; 25th August; 1st September (£30 x3 classes)

Well-Woman Classes 12-1.30pm at The Kenilworth Centre:

Friday’s: 20th August; 27th August; 3rd September (£30 x3classes)

Please email me to book your space.

£10 to drop into a class.

Outdoor Classes will be ad-hoc throughout the Summer - weather depending. If you’d like to be added to the What’s App Outdoor Yoga Group, please message me. The messages are purely to inform when a class will take place.

Autumn Term

Autumn Term Classes are now available to book online via my website. Times, dates, venues, face-to -face & online options are included in all of the details of the Book Classes page.

Classes include: Well-Woman Yoga, Mixed Ability Yoga; Ashtanga Yoga & Pre Natal Yoga.

I’m also available for 1:1 bookings - please email me for more information/to arrange a session.

Health Information Forms are available on the Class Information pages. Please complete one of these and bring it to class/or email.

Yoga Nidra’s and some short classes are available to buy & download from the Book Classes page.

That’s all for now, I thought I’d keep this blog little…for those of you that need to take some time out or laying low, I hope you enjoy the beautiful Mary Oliver poem below.

Stay well, take care and see you soon.

Much Love, Lucy xx

Today - Mary Oliver

Today I’m flying low and I’m

not saying a word.

I’m letting all the voodoos of ambition sleep.

The world goes on as it must,

the bees in the garden rumbling a little,

the fish leaping, the gnats getting eaten.

And so forth.

But I’m taking the day off.

Quiet as a feather.

I hardly move though really I’m travelling

a terrific distance.

Stillness. One of the doors

into the temple.

Happy International Yoga Day!

International Yoga Day and Summer Solstice (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) fall on the same day and has only been celebrated since 2015. It’s quite a good idea as I guess it means we get to stay up late and do more yoga ;) 

On a serious note, it’s a good day to highlight what yoga is and can be to each of us individually. For many in the West, or at least in the early days of discovering a yoga practice, it can appear to be a physical exercise that can help you to feel pretty great, both physically and mentally, and also be fun & playful (see pic!). But over time, when the practice starts to settle in, it can take a greater affect. Yoga can become a way of life; a practice that encourages greater awareness, mindful movement and thinking, both to the self and to others, and a sense of oneness with the world and nature itself. Senses can become heightened, insight and intuition stronger, along with healthier and more beneficial ways of living continue to prevail. I guess this is a good reason to celebrate a practice that can really help such transformations of the self to occur! 

There are numerous forms that take the shape of a yoga practice, from asana (your physical practice); meditation (a practice to help become aware of thoughts/settle the mind/enhance focus…to name a few);  become more present in your day to day actions ( even cleaning the kitchen sink!); be of service (helping/supporting others without anticipating return); or maybe enquiring into the deeper side of the self, observing what is happening beyond your daily actions, thoughts and words. Often a Yoga Nidra can give a great insight into this side of the self…either that or a very good sleep!

However you celebrate your Yoga practice today - may it uplift and bring brightness to you in every sense of your being :)

Congratulations

A very special congratulations to Fay and Roy Bowden on the arrival of beautiful baby girl Emilia Hope. Emilia was so excited to meet her parents that she arrived a little early to the party on 7th April 4.07pm weighing a mighty 3lbs. This amazing little girl was very well looked after and blossomed - she has now been home for a month.

Fay attended pre natal yoga classes online with me at the beginning of the year. Lots of love to you and your family !

Pre Natal Monthly Sessions

Next month see’s the arrival of new monthly extended Pre Natal Yoga Classes. They will include Asana (posture practice) to help best support the changing body throughout pregnancy, support posture, help relieve ailments, and prepare for labour; Breathing Practices to help settle emotional fluctuations/relieve stress/anxiety/help soothe and also prepare for labour; meditations to help settle the mind; mudra’s to help focus and intention; Yoga Nidra to guide into a deeper state of meditation and enhance one’s own insight into the self.

These sessions will be 2 hours and as well as a practice, there will be handouts to take home and practice and also time for a quick tea break to connect with other mums-to-be.

These sessions are face-to-face only.

The first session is on Saturday 17th July 2.30-4.30pm at Leek Wootton Village Hall. 

Sessions are £25. 

Spaces are restricted due to Covid.

For more information or to book contact: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Muddy Stilettos Award

I’m really grateful that numerous people had nominated Living Your Yoga for the Muddy Stilettos Award. If you would like to nominate, just click the link below, provide your email and then you’ll receive a link to nominate your favourite businesses in numerous categories throughout Warwickshire (and further afield depending on where you live). It’s great as it’s all for independent businesses! To all of those that nominate Living Your Yoga - a huge thank you! Fingers crossed!

https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/nominate/

Yoga Nidra (and other downloads)

I have now released my latest Yoga Nidra which is now available to buy via my website on the Book Classes section. It is called Yoga Nidra For inner Peace. I hope that you like it.

All downloads are now available to buy on the Book Classes page - all logo’s for downloads have a black and white dandelion and are titled. I decided to put the 30 minute classes that I recorded throughout lockdown last year back on sale, in case anyone wanted a top up class. They are hatha yoga practices with recognisable postures & practices for those that regularly attend my classes.

Do have a browse. If you have any questions, do contact me.

That’s all for now - thanks for reading until the end if you got this far!

The next blog will see the Summer Schedule, upcoming events and other news…

Looking forward to seeing you all on the mat.

Much Love,

Lucy xx

Planting Seeds

Welcome to my first ever blog :) I was advised that this would be a better way to connect with everyone rather than sending out newsletters so here we are. My intention is that here you’ll find out schedule updates, yoga news, events, things to look forward to, recipes, poems, doodles, music, hints and tips, introductions to other holistic practices, teachers, wisdom-wonderer’s and of course, yoga practices that may be of interest… it’ll remain community-minded and will hopefully be of interest and inspire you.

As you may have noticed I’ve got a thing for dandelions at the moment! They’ve become the new logo for Living Your Yoga. My little boy inspired me on this. Every morning when we walk to school, he picks up a dandelion, blows on it and  makes a wish… the dandelion completely transforms in its appearance and its seeds blow around, lands gently and they plant themselves to grow again. As we all know, the dandelion has three phases, the yellow flower, the white puff ball, and the dispersing seeds. This got me thinking about Yoga and how a regular yoga practice transforms our appearance (inside and out) and how we often plant our intentions or sankalpa  (our seeds) at the beginning or end of our practice. In fairness, it doesn't take a yoga practice to set our thoughts, intentions or wishes every day. We all actually do it all of the time…sometimes without realising. Our thoughts become our intentions and our intentions become our reality. You’ve probably heard this and are aware of it. But it’s one of those things that we bring our attention to in a yoga practice. Something we’re invited to tend to with a clear mind, maybe after a short breathing practice or meditation when we’ve acknowledged the mind-monkeys, had a bit of a mental clear out and begin to acknowledge what sits behind. We start to look at what it is we’re really seeking? What seeds are we planting? And for who’s benefit?

I realise we’re getting quite deep for a first blog…so I’ll pause there for a moment and bring us back to the every day. Let’s talk about a cake!

Seriously. I made a cake last week (2 actually) and it’s been loved by so many that I’m going to share the recipe with you. I’m not a great cook - I burn most things, but I made this and it worked. Even the children like it (and it has beetroot in it!)

The recipe is from “Self- Care for the Real World” by Nadia Narain & Katia Narain Phillips (I can really recommend this book too - its lovely)

Beetroot Chocolate Cake 

200g Butter 

200g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, broken into chunks)

250g cooked vacuum packed beetroots (no vinegar)

5 eggs

250g light muscovado sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

240g ground almonds

Pinch of salt

Rose petals (optional)

• Pre heat oven 190 C/Gas Mark 5, line 20cm cake tin with baking parchment

• Melt chocolate & butter in glass bowl over low heat. Leave to cool once melted.

• Blitz beetroots in food processor.

• Add eggs, sugar, baking powder & vanilla to beetroot.

• Add cooled butter & choc mixture. Pulse until mixed altogether.

• Add ground almonds and salt. Pulse to combine altogether.

• Pour batter into cake tin and bake for 35-45 minutes (the cake won’t wobble when you take it out of the oven if it’s cooked)

• Sprinkle optional rose petals.

• Enjoy!

Back to Yoga…

There’s a couple of face to face spaces available in Monday morning Well-Woman; Tuesday evening’s Mixed Ability & Saturday morning’s Ashtanga Yoga. There’s an abundance of online availability too for these classes. For face to face classes, you’ll need to bring your own mat and any props that you have. A block or a blanket would be useful for every class. I have some bricks and eye bags for sale. Should you wish to purchase any, email me directly.

Do contact me for more information about classes or click link below to save your spot.

https://www.livingyouryoga.co.uk/classes

Yoga Nidra

With support from my best friend Katharina Weithaler, and her amazing creation of a the best wardrobe recording studio,, I’ve recorded a new Yoga Nidra for both men & women. The theme for this recording is inner peace and includes visualisations inspired by nature. The practice is 18 minutes long. 

It’s £8 to buy for you to download to keep.

Let me know if you would like to purchase a download by emailing me. Alternatively, you’ll be able to purchase a download when my To Buy page is created on the website.

Collaboration

I’ve been planting my own seeds lately in making plans to collaborate with some amazing & unique individuals. There’s several exciting projects in the pipeline for the coming months (and years!) that are keeping me excited, uplifted and inspired. I’ll keep you updated as and when the dreams come into reality :) 

This week I’d like to shine a light on my dear friend and colleague Dr Louise Newson of Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre, Stratford-Upon-Avon. I teach 1:1 yoga here in the studio, practice Ashtanga Yoga regularly with Louise, and also teach a weekly yoga class for the staff, provided through Newson Health. It’s only been a few years since Newson Health was launched, and it is now the largest menopause clinic in the world. Since then the clinic has expanded, influenced and most importantly helped thousands of women all over the country. Newson Health’s Balance App is now helping women worldwide, with over 200,000 downloads to date. The Menopause Charity, which Dr Louise Newson also founded, offers programmes in Menopause care, informing medical healthcare professionals with accurate & updated facts, information, medical advice and support for women.

Please click on the link below to listen to a Newson Health’s 100th podcast, a truly inspiring conversation between Dr Louise Newson & Dr Rebecca Lewis (Clinical director of Newson Health) on how far they’ve come in their menopause mission to help women all over the world.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/my-menopause-doctor-dr-louise-newson-newson-health/id1459614845

For more information on Menopause care, download the Balance App for free, or head to www.newsonhealth.co.uk for more information.

Thank you’s

Thank you to everyone that has kindly written reviews for Living Your Yoga, either on the website or on google. Thank you for your continued choice to share your yoga journey with me.

Thank you to Leigh at www.createonsight.co.uk for developing my brilliant website in a short amount of time, especially having been given some of my very eclectic interests and design preferences!

A really big hug & thank you to my cousin Sinead who has been my photographer for all of my photo shoots for Living Your Yoga.

Finally a big thank you to Jon at Mind Riot Productions for creating mini-animations and encouraging me (and continually reminding me) to keep posting on social media!

Looking forward to seeing you or connecting soon.

Much Love,

Lucy x

“When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

– John Lennon

Videos to help women learn more about, and better manage the menopause

Newson Health doctors and invited experts marked World Menopause Day by filming a range of discussions and demonstrations to help women better understand and manage the challenges of the menopause, and the effect it can have on health and wellbeing.

As Newson Health's resident yoga practitioner, I was invited to present an interactive demonstration of my Well-Woman Yoga class to help women understand the holistic benefits of yoga and its beneficial effect during the perimenopause and menopause.

Along with Dr. Sarah Ball and yoga enthusiast Sarah Baker, we talked about the value of yoga. I describe the different types of yoga, why breathing is so important, the improvements to your physical and emotional wellbeing and how it’s best to choose the right type of yoga for your needs and symptoms. You can watch the On-Demand discussion by clicking the button below.

“I have been joining Lucy via Zoom for Well-Woman Classes and Mixed Ability Classes this year. I am so delighted to be able to do this, they help so much, and I usually wouldn’t be able to attend her classes as I live an hours drive from Kenilworth.

Over the past 30 years I have done all sorts of different yoga and suddenly found when I hit my 50’s that I cannot imagine doing what I used to as my body has taken off on its own journey.

My biggest challenge seems to be arthritic pain in my hands, the hand stretches that we do in the Well Woman class really helps with this.

Last summer my son found it hilarious that I could not do more than about six jumps on the trampoline but seven months later I can run further, sneeze without fear and my husband and I both enjoy the benefits of the bandha exercises. The practice itself is gentle and works in a very subtle way that is so effective at a much deeper level. I had been told there was little that could be done about the pelvic floor but I am amazed at how quickly I am now able to connect with myself thanks to these classes.”

— Nicki, Buckinghamshire